View full sizeA new study suggests that agriculture could be possible on planets and moons within our Solar System. (File)

Science news from around the Web:

Could farms thrive on on planets and moons within our Solar System? Space.com reports a new study suggests agriculture on other planets is possible, depending on how one defines "soil." Most scientists believe the presence of life is essential for soil, but samples of Martian soil have found the soil is more alkaline than previously thought, and possibly welcoming to plants.

ScienceDaily reports a University of Michigan study has found overexposure to two chemicals commonly found in antibacterial soaps and plastics can harm young people's immune systems. The study found high concentrations of triclosan, a chemical found in antibacterial soaps, and Bisphenol A, found in plastics in the linings of food cans, altered immune systems and led to higher diagnoses of allergies and hay fever. Allison Aiello, a professor at Michigan who was the lead author of the study, said it was possible "a person can be too clean for their own good."

Gold nanoparticles could have several scientific applications, like turning trees into streetlights. One stumbling block: Their production, to this point, has required toxic chemicals. A new University of Missouri study, however, suggests a trip to the supermarket could be enough to make them. According to Popular Science, when researchers mixed gold salts with cinnamon in water, they got gold nanoparticles that appear to work as well as those created under the more toxic process.

Carbon capture and sequestration -- in which carbon emissions are captured and stored underground -- has been seen as an option for reversing climate change. There may be risks, however: Scientific American reports that a study published earlier this month, however, found that inadvertent leaks of carbon could increase the number of contaminants in groundwater. Scientists say the study could help with designs of underground carbon storage sites.

Oxytocin, a neurotransmitter in the brain known as the "love hormone" for its effects on mating and devotion, can apparently enhance your maternal memories, for good or ill. Discover reports that in a recent study, men administered a nasal spray with oxytocin had strong individual reactions to the drug. Those with uneasy relationships with their mother took dimmer views of their relationship, while men with stronger maternal bonds tended to think more highly of it.